9316285 Bilham The PI will perform research to complement the CASA project with dense linear arrays of geodetic points designed to determine the plate velocity field across the SE Caribbean plate boundary. In this way he can determine the distribution of plate boundary displacements among the several significant faults in the region, allowing better estimates of recurrence rates for damaging earthquakes. Aves Island and 4 other locations will be instrumented with deep borehole reference monuments with a 3D stability of +/-1 mm. Aves is a crucial measurement point for Caribbean plate studies because it is far from a plate boundary and the PI will be monitoring this site for ongoing GPS projects elsewhere in the Caribbean. The research will be undertaken collaboratively with Venezuelan scientists who will provide 30% of the equipment and 100% of the field logistical costs in Venezuela. ****
